somebody mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somebody mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was previously said or brought up by an unspecified person. Example: "Somebody mentioned that there will be a meeting next week, but I didn't catch the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Somebody mentioned that," Matterson said.

Independent

There, somebody mentioned Jonathan Franzen.

The Guardian - Books

After ten minutes, somebody mentioned lunch.

The New Yorker

I am glad somebody mentioned that.

The New York Times

Somebody mentioned Falstaff, a Shakespearean character.

The New York Times

"Somebody mentioned opening a Jeffrey's in Washington," Mr. Garrido said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Did somebody mention Afghanistan?

The Guardian - Opinion

Somebody mentions the "new economy".

The New York Times

Did somebody mention "compassionate conservatism"?

The New Yorker

I also have a program that searches the Internet anytime somebody mentions Best Buy out there.

The New York Times

Somebody mentions the amount that the Smiths have paid to make sure their next daughter has blue eyes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it to introduce information or an idea that might be sensitive or potentially controversial, where attributing it to a specific person is not necessary or desirable.

Common error

Avoid overusing "somebody mentioned" in formal writing. In situations where it is possible and appropriate, specify who mentioned the information for greater clarity and authority. In many cases, using active voice improves the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somebody mentioned" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to report information without specifying the source. It sets the stage for presenting information that may be generally known or of uncertain origin, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somebody mentioned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce information without attributing it to a specific source. According to Ludwig, it is best suited for neutral contexts like news reporting and general conversation. While acceptable, this expression should be avoided in formal writing where a more precise attribution is preferable. Numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its versatility in conveying information across diverse topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone brought up

Emphasizes the act of introducing a topic into a conversation or discussion.

someone pointed out

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific piece of information or a particular aspect.

someone stated

This alternative is more formal and direct, emphasizing the act of making a statement.

it was mentioned that

This alternative is more impersonal and passive, shifting the focus away from the individual.

someone noted

Suggests a brief or casual observation, often about a specific detail.

someone indicated

Implies a less direct or explicit communication, focusing on conveying an idea or fact.

someone remarked

Implies a short, often witty or insightful comment.

someone observed

Highlights a careful or attentive perception of something.

someone suggested

Introduces an idea or proposal for consideration.

I recall someone saying

Expresses the speaker's memory of the event when an unspecified individual made a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "somebody mentioned" in a sentence?

You can use "somebody mentioned" to introduce information without naming the source. For example, "Somebody mentioned that the meeting is postponed."

What's a more formal way to say "somebody mentioned"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "someone stated" or "it was mentioned that".

Is it okay to use "somebody mentioned" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "somebody mentioned" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "someone pointed out" or "someone indicated" to enhance credibility.

What's the difference between "somebody mentioned" and "someone brought up"?

"Somebody mentioned" is a general way to introduce a topic, while "someone brought up" specifically suggests that the topic was introduced into a conversation or discussion.